Matrix-case equipment for type-casting machines



April 14, 1-925. 1,533,457

F. H. PIERPONT MATRIX CASE EQUIPM ENT' 50R TYPE CASTING MACHINES Filed Feb. 19, 1924 2 Shasta-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 19, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Apr. 14, 1925.

UNITED STATES 1,533,457 PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK HINMAN PIERPONT, 0F I-IOlR-LEY,

TYPE MACHINE COMPANY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA,

OF VIRGINIA- LANstron MONO- a conrona'rron ENGLAND, ASSIGNOR TO MATRIX-CASE EQUIPMENT FOR TYPE-CASTING MACHINES.

Application filed February 19, 1924.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK I-IINMAN Prnnrox'r, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Salfords, I-Iorley, in the county of Surrey, England, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Matrix-Case Equipments: for Typecasting Machines; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, and to the characters of reference marked thereon This invention, relates to matrix or die case equipment for type casting and similar typographic machines and refers to matrix cases in which the matrices are assembled in a frame in rows and columns. A matrix case of the kind referred to, as well as a machine in which it is adapted to be employed, is basically disclosed in United States Letters Patent No. 625,998, dated May 80, 1899. In such a matrix case the matrices are oblong blocks, rectangular in cross section, one end being furnlshed with a. character or formative cavity and the other end with a centering cavity usually conical in shape for engagement with a centering device for clamping or pressing each matrix against themold when a cast is to be made.

The main object of the present invention is to provide means for limiting the side and other wearing movements of individual matrices in the case, and at the same time allowing a matrix or matrices to be removed therefrom without removing the entire serics: and also means which will support and guide the matrices during centering movements, the matrices being so constructed as to (en-operate with said guiding means, while sufficient of the original outside walls of the matrices is left to provide adequate bearing surface between matrices. Other objects will be hereinafter pointed out or will otherwise appear in connection with the description of the invention as embodied in the ac companying drawings in which- Fig. 1 is an inverted plan of a matrix case embodying the present invention, the matrices being omitted.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section approximately l e -2 f Fig. l.

Serial N0. 693,853r

Fig. 3 is a vertical section of a matrix case lncludlng the matrices on approximately line 33 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 4: is a horizontal section on approximately line 4- 1 of Fig. 3, the matrix case frame being shown in inverted plan.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a matrix embodying the present invention, and

Fig. 6 is a plan of said matrix.

The matrix frame 1 is of a usual and wellknown construction being box-like and havingan opening through it for the accommodation of a series of matrices arranged in carried in bearings in two opposite walls of the frame 1, the construction being wellknown and being described, for example, in the patent referred to. These suspension rods of the patented construction are so arranged that each rod suspends or supports a row of matrices: while these rods limit to some extent the lateral movements of the matrices of a row in one direction, they allow in the other direction the accumulated wear of a column of matrices to result in the dlsplacement of any matrix of that column to a harmful extent. They also permit matrices to turn or tilt in an undesirable manner. In accordance with the present invention, this is prevented by the provision. of a series of projections extending downwardly from the cover plate 3 and fitting into spaces between the matrices formed by cutting away the latter at their upper ends. The projections on the cover plate 3are indicated by the reference character 8, and, as shown, are integral with the cover plate although they may be carried on a separate plate. Each projection is of square section (Fig. 1) and extends downwardly with in the opening in the frame of the matrix case.

The upper end 9 of each matrix 5 from a line slightly above the 511 1 6115101! 11 7 of octagonal shape, this shape being formed by cutting away the four corners of the body. Thus when the matrices are assembled (Fig. 4) the four walls of the octagonal part 9 which have not been cutaway will bear against the four neighboring matrices and the other four walls of said octagonal portion will bear against and be guided by the projections 8. The walls of the lower or square portion of a matrix will be in close contact with the similar portions of neighboring matrices.

The project-ions 8 extend approximately to the shoulders of the matrices formed by cutting away the corners and fit the matrix spaces produced by this cutting: and the projections thus guide and maintain the matrices in an upright position especially during centering movements, as well as limit the lateral movements of individual matrices. The matrices arethus supported in a function to prevent undue wear by tilting or rubbing and to prevent displacement by accumulated wear.

When it is necessary or desired to remove a matrix from the matrix case, a plate 10 (Figs. 1 and 4) the ends of which are supported in slots or recesses 11 at one end of the frame 1, is removed to uncover the ends of the suspension rods 6: the. rod supporting the row in which the required matrix is situated may obviously be removed after which the said matrix may be pushed out 'of the matrix case by passing a thin rod or the like up through the centering opening 3 in the cover plate 2, this being accom- 'plished without disturbing any other matrix: and a fresh matrix may then be dropped into the vacant space and the suspension rod 6 and end plate 10 replaced. I claim:

1. A matrix case comprising a frame, a series of matrices arranged therein in rows and columns, said matrices being cut away at their upper ends to form spaces, and a plate provided with a series of projectionsfitting into said matrix spaces, said plate being supported on said frame.

2. A matrix case comprising a frame, a series of matrices arranged therein in rows and columns, the corners of said matrices at their upper ends being cut away to form spaces between them, and a plate provided with a series of projections fitting into said matrix spaces, each projection forming a guide or bearing for four matrices.

3. A matrix case comprising a frame, a series of matrices therein in rows and colnnms, each of said matrices being provided with transverse holes and at their upper ends being cut away to form spaces between them, a series of parallel transverse suspension bars passing through the holes of a row of matrices, and a plate provided with a series of projections fitting into said matrix spaces, each projection forn'iing a matrix guide.

4. A matrix case comprising a frame, a series of matrices arranged therein in rows and columns, said matrices at their upper ends being cut away to form spaces, and a cover plate for the frame, said plate being provided with perforations for matrix centering purposes, and being also provided with a series of projections fitting into said spaces to form matrix guides.

5. A typographic matrix comprising a rectangular block having an upper end octagonal in cross section and having a rectangular lower or body port-ion.

6. A typographic matrix comprising a rectangular block having a square body portion provided with a transverse opening therethrough, the upper end portion of the block being octagonal in cross section.

FRANK I-IINMAN PIERPONT. 

